Posts in March 8, 2017

Never search a “new to you” database without first determining what it covers. Some databases are “works in progress.” Others may be complete, but the original records from which they were compiled may have gaps. Blindly searching without knowing what you are searching can create brick walls where none exist. I was tempted to search the 1865 New York State Census at FamilySearch (New York State Census, 1865) until I realized that the census was not extant for the Clinton County–which was the county I need. The original records are missing. FamilySearch  has digitized what is available in this case. Always look first to see what the database includes.